Electrospun fiber mats from polymers having a low Tm, Tg, or molecular weight

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for forming non-woven fiber mats from polymers and monomers that are traditionally difficult to use for fiber formation are shown and described. Applicable techniques include electrospinning and other traditional fiber formation methods. Suitable polymers and monomers include those having low molecular weight, a low melting point, and/or a low glass transition temperature.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A non-woven fiber mat formed of fibers, wherein the fibers comprise low molecular weight polymers or oligomers formed from a low molecular weight polymer precursor selected from the group consisting of: Poly (propylene-fumarate)-co-(propylene maleate) (PPFcPM); Poly (Butylene-fumarate) (PBF); and Poly (Butylene-fumarate)-co(butylene maleate) (PBFcBM); and a covalent cross-linker or photoinitiator. 
     
     
       2. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 1  wherein the low molecular weight polymer precursor is PBF. 
     
     
       3. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 1  wherein the low molecular weight polymer precursor is PBFcBM. 
     
     
       4. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 1  wherein the low molecular weight polymer precursor is (PPFcPM). 
     
     
       5. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 1  wherein the low molecular weight polymer precursor is PPFcPM. 
     
     
       6. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 1  wherein the low molecular weight polymers or oligomers have a low T g . 
     
     
       7. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 1  wherein the low molecular weight polymers or oligomers have a low T m . 
     
     
       8. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 1  wherein the low molecular weight polymers or oligomers have a molecular weight below 6000. 
     
     
       9. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers consist of low molecular weight polymers or oligomers formed from a low molecular weight polymer precursor selected from the group consisting of: Poly (propylene-fumarate)-co-(propylene maleate) (PPFcPM); Poly (Butylene-fumarate) (PBF); and Poly (Butylene-fumarate)-co(butylene maleate) (PBFcBM); and a covalent crosslinker or photoactive moiety. 
     
     
       10. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 9  wherein the low molecular weight polymer precursor is PPFcPM. 
     
     
       11. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 9  wherein the low molecular weight polymer precursor is PBF. 
     
     
       12. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 9  wherein the low molecular weight polymer precursor is PBFcBM. 
     
     
       13. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 9  wherein the low molecular weight polymers or oligomers have a low T g . 
     
     
       14. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 9  wherein the low molecular weight polymers or oligomers have a low T m . 
     
     
       15. The non-woven fiber mat of  claim 9  wherein the low molecular weight polymers or oligomers have a molecular weight below 6000.